Foreign Minister Abba Eban said last night that if Egypt replied affirmatively to Israel’s latest query regarding its peace intentions, ” a door will be open to the discussion of other problems.” Israel demanded to know, in a note sent to Cairo through United Nations mediator Gunnar V. Jarring over a week ago, whether Egypt’s stated readiness to make peace with “countries of the region” specifically includes Israel, If the reply is negative, Eban said, “at least we shall know (Cairo’s) clear position.” There has been no reply so far from the Egyptians, Eban said Israel would continue to wait for an answer and “we see no reason to let any other move divert us from this.” He was referring indirectly to the latest move by Jarring which the Israeli Government reportedly feels exceeded the Swedish diplomat’s authority under his Security Council mandate, Eban said that at this stage Israel excluded from its concept of a Mideast peace settlement the prospect of diplomatic relations and trade agreements with the Arabs.
However, he said, Israel insists on an Arab declaration ending their conflict with Israel and explicit recognition by the Arabs of Israel’s sovereignty, independence and right to exist. Eban said Israel also insists on an end to hostile acts by organizations within the boundaries of the parties to a peace settlement, recognized and secure borders and withdrawal of forces after the borders are fixed. He said the Palestinian refugee problem would have to be solved on both regional and international levels. According to Eban, Israel’s idea of a peace settlement is one that will be binding on all successive governments. He said Egypt’s refusal so far to specifically mention peace with Israel was at the center of the present deadlock, Eban chided Egyptian President Anwar Sadat for putting a 30-day deadline on the latest cease-fire extension. “Whoever thinks that a conflict of a score of years can be solved within 30 days is not serious in his intentions,” Eban said.
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